As much as I love #tbt, Thursdays are for fashion, and the day that I'm flashing back to is a Friday.
Just over a year ago, I joined an IEA team, and I will always consider it one of the best decisions of my riding career. I was super hesitant at first. I had only ever ridden at one barn. I knew of people on the team already who were much better and much younger than me. I wondered how I was going to balance it with my regular lessons. Plus, the cost, the location of the barn, and the location of the shows didn't make it an easy decision.
 |
| Willow, my o/f draw from the first IEA show |
I eventually caved to Miss S's persuasion, took a break from lessons with her, and joined the team. Even after the first lesson, I was still unsure, but I kept up with it, and I'm glad I did. Within the first month, I had a major turning point in my riding (and I remember that exact moment clearly). I became stronger, both physically and mentally.
And I had an awesome, energetic, supportive team.
 |
| I didn't get the tall boot memo |
 |
| But I did get the paddock boots & half chaps memo |
And I had a lower leg at some point.
And winning a grooming tote was pretty cool too.
 |
| Smiling even though I was freezing my butt off |
Not to mention the amount of one on one time that I got to have with Baby as a result of not taking any lessons on her. It taught me how to deal with problems on my own (i.e. running off, rushing fences), and we built up a much better bond in that time. I could go on for days about how great that was.
 |
| Bond not always present |
I honestly felt like I was on top of the world.
I am aware that success in riding is mainly based on the quality of the training. Joining an IEA team alone won't turn you into a Grand Prix show jumper . . . although having a Corbinator can aid in that. With that being said, if you are in middle or high school, I highly encourage you to join a team, and if there isn't a team around, look into starting one. There is a lot to learn from having to effectively ride a wide variety of horses while sitting pretty.
I wish they had IEA when I was in middle and highschool.
ReplyDeletelove this post (and the gifs, esp that one of baby lol) - and am also really wish i could have ridden in the IEA too. the IHSA was perhaps a similarly defining experience for me too, tho maybe in different ways.
ReplyDelete